The Nashville Predators announced the signing of Swedish right-winger Gustav Nyquist to join the team on a two-year deal valued at $3.185 million. After making $5.5 million a year for the past four seasons, he’s taken a pay cut to $1.59 million to land a job with the Predators, who aim to be contenders in the Western Conference.
During the 2022-23 season, he split time between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild. He compiled 27 points in 51 games during that time.
Gustav Nyquist 2x$3.185M in Nashville. Big day for the Predators
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2023
Nyquist Inks New Contract
Originally drafted by the Detroit Red Wings (121st overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Nyquist showed great promise as a rookie. He eventually became a regular in 2013. After that year, he routinely scored over 40 points a year, with a career-best 60 in 2018-19. Thus far, he’s posted career totals of 428 points in 703 games.
Even though Nyquist has rarely missed time due to injury early in his career, he eventually left Detroit. He went to play with the San Jose Sharks and Blue Jackets before his most recent stop in Minnesota. Now, at 33, Nyquist’s best days may be behind him. However, he’ll fit nicely with the Predators in a role on their second or third line.
Impact of Nyquist Contract
Statistically, he’s never failed to reach double digits in goals or assists, which should complement the Predators’ offensive production. Considering the club already has Filip Forsberg and now Ryan O’Reilly, Nyquist will be a nice addition at a relatively cheaper cost.
Even though he missed some time last season because of a shoulder injury, Nyquist expects to be fully healthy for the start of the new season. Considering his aliment didn’t require surgery, he’s a strong candidate for a bounce-back season in a new system.
Interestingly, this isn’t the Predators’ first off-season newsworthy move after acquiring O’Reilly earlier in the day. Signing Gustav Nyquist to the lineup is just another step towards building toward contender status.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
